Department of Health and Social Care

World Health Organisation

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to proposing amendments to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (2005).

Lord Markham: The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) are a key part of the global health security system to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease. The United Kingdom wants to ensure that countries’ obligations under the IHR remain fit for purpose and reflect lessons learned through the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to see stronger global commitment to effective disease surveillance, early reporting of potential health threats and transparency in sharing information. These issues are already on the table and form part of the multilateral discussions on amendments to the IHR. The UK continues to participate in the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005).

World Health Organisation

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to oppose proposed amendments to Article 3 of the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (2005) which would replace the current reference that the regulations should be implemented with “full respect for the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of persons” with text referring to “equity, inclusivity, coherence and solidarity”.

Lord Markham: The Government continues to formulate positions ahead of textual negotiations on the proposed amendments and continues to engage with other World Health Organization member states on the matter. The United Kingdom views respect for human rights as an important principle in the International Health Regulations (2005).